The UK tightens norms for all Indian spice imports amid contamination concerns.
Amid allegations of pesticide contamination in popular spice brands MDH and Everest, the UK has notified more stringent regulations for all spice imports from India. Concerns grew after Hong Kong and Singapore flagged high levels of cancer-causing ethylene oxide in certain products from the two Indian majors.
While the companies have denied safety issues, food authorities worldwide, including those in New Zealand, the US, Australia, and India, launched investigations.
Britain’s food watchdog, the Food Standards Agency, took the strongest action so far, said it would subject all Indian spice shipments to additional residue testing for ethylene oxide.
As ethylene oxide usage is prohibited in the UK, the agency reiterated norms capping permissible limits in herbs and spices.
As the World’s top exporter and consumer, India supplies over $23 million worth of spices to Britain annually. Indian inspectors are also said to scrutinize samples.
A Reuters analysis found MDH saw 14.5% average salmonella-rejected US shipments since 2021 as regulators enhanced surveillance.
Canada’s food inspection body stated current information does not point to affected items in its markets while acknowledging awareness of the issue.
The Spices Board of India, which regulates exports, has yet to comment on the globally expanding regulatory action against its industry.
